Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Shaw.

Hi Jonathan , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Art has always been an integral part of my journey. Whether it’s sketching, painting or mixed media collage, creativity has been an amazing outlet for me to process life and faith on a deep level and a beautiful way of meditating if you will. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue my calling as an artist and support my family. I owe much thanks to friends, family, collectors and fans; the support and encouragement I have received means so much to me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My artistic path has had plenty of bumps along the way – mainly due to navigating different expressions in an attempt to hone in on my artistic voice and style. In my younger years as a child and teenager, I didn’t labor over how to create. I was uninhibited and let creativity flow without too much critical thought.

Over the years, from college until present day, I’ve moved from gritty conceptual work (inspired by Anselm Kiefer), to naturalistic work (inspired by Andrew Wyeth and Robert Bateman), to blend of stylized folk art & whimsical painting (inspired by the likes of Chagall, Matisse and Picasso).

So in this current season, I’m aiming to simply let go of my over-calculating and create for the joy of it; much like a child embracing the play behind the work.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Since 2011, I’ve primarily focused on Biblical work through whimsical and stylized expressions. My style has been born out of my fascination for art from around the world such as wall tapestries from Peru, wood carvings from Kenya, stonework from Ireland, renderings from Native American tribes, and ornate rugs from India. In addition to resonating with art from various cultures, I also relate to the work of Marc Chagall, Henry Matisse and Pablo Picasso along with several other 20th century painters.

When I set out to create a painting, I can spend many hours taking notes, doodling sketches and meditating on a group of interconnected passages of Scripture. Much like looking for buried treasure, it’s a thrilling experience of “walking with the Spirit” and discovering truth and beauty within Scripture and Nature and translating all of the gained inspiration into an art piece. I enjoy incorporating a variety of patterns and symbols within my work to represent narrative and meaning. My hope is that my work sparks joy and faith within those that gaze at the art.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Milwaukee is one of my favorite cities. I thoroughly love “The Good Land’s” parks, rivers and the magnificent Lake Michigan. There’s not a week that goes by that I’m not kayaking or biking in and around the city.

The part I like least about the city is the trash that can be found in certain areas. Overall, Milwaukee is a very clean city but when it comes to specific neighborhoods, there’s a lack of reverence and respect for the land which is sad. Thankfully, there’s a number of initiatives that call the community to come together to clean up neighborhoods, parks and waterways.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.yehonatan-art.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/yehonatan.art
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/yehonatan.art